In-Person STR Design
Your space has potential. Let's make it impossible to scroll past.
Who needs a designer?
Whether you're setting up a property for the first time, refreshing a listing that's underperforming, or getting a space investment-ready for the rental market — the design decisions you make now will ripple through every booking, every review, and every cleaning cycle for years to come.
I've been an Airbnb host for 13 years and a Superhost Ambassador since 2020. I've helped hosts all over the world think through their spaces. But there's something different about showing up in person — walking the rooms, understanding the light, catching the details a photo never captures.
That's what in-person design is for.
What we’ll do together
A full-property walkthrough We start by looking at everything together — what's working, what's holding the listing back, and where the real opportunities are. I bring fresh eyes and 13 years of STR experience to every room.
A room-by-room upgrade plan You'll leave with a written plan: specific recommendations for each space, prioritized by impact and organized by budget. Not vague suggestions — actionable next steps you can hand to a contractor or take shopping.
Sourcing direction I'll tell you exactly what to look for, where to find it, and what to spend. Virginia has excellent antique resources and I know how to stretch a budget without it showing in the photos.
Contractor coordination (available as add-on) Need painters, wallpaper installers, or handyperson work? I can meet tradespeople on-site, communicate the brief, and make sure the work lands the way it should.
Installation & styling days (available as add-on) Once the pieces are in place, I come back to style everything to photo-ready standard — the difference between a good room and a listing photo that stops the scroll.
The result? A space that photographs beautifully. Guests who feel genuinely cared for. Reviews that mention the details. A listing that competes in its size range — and wins.
My approach
I work from a simple framework: every design decision should photograph well, develop character over time rather than just wear out, make guests feel cared for, and be practical to clean and maintain. Aesthetics and practicality aren't opposites in a well-designed rental. They reinforce each other.
I'm not here to sell you on expensive furniture or a complete overhaul. Some of the highest-impact moves in a listing refresh are a $200 antique piece from Tuckahoe Antiques, a styled bookshelf, or patterned wallpaper in a powder room. I'll tell you where to spend and where to save.
Who this is for
You're setting up your first STR and you want to get it right from the start — not redo it in six months after the reviews roll in.
Your listing is underperforming and you suspect the photos, the furniture, or the overall feel is the problem — but you're not sure where to start.
You're an investor or property owner who wants to maximize the rental potential of a space without managing every decision yourself.
If you're in Central Virginia — the Charlottesville area, Nelson County, the Blue Ridge — I'm likely already familiar with your market, your competition, and the antique resources that can make your property distinctive without breaking your budget.
Why this isn’t normal interior design
Short Term Rental Expertise
I have run— and cleaned and maintained — short term rentals for more than 13 years. I know what works, and why. I designed and built the market leading property in Nelson County, and its been highlighted both by Airbnb and in national design blogs.
Virginia STR Market Expertise
Airbnb asked me to help run their official host club for Airbnb hosts in Central Virginia. I’ve advised and supported hosts locally, nationally, and internationally since 2020.
Designing for Business Success
Good design has been my key to success, through every twist and turn of this competitive and reactive market.
High-performing listings tell a story. As a former English professor and artist, I assemble stories that pop off the screen and stop the scroll.
Pricing
Pricing depends on the property, the scope, and the level of involvement you're looking for. In-person design projects typically include a flat project fee covering the walkthrough, written plan, and sourcing direction — with add-ons available for contractor coordination and styling days.
Contact me to talk through your project →
The first conversation is always free.
FAQ
Do you only work in Virginia? My in-person design service is focused on Central Virginia — primarily the Charlottesville area, Nelson County, and the surrounding Blue Ridge region. If you're outside that area and interested in working together, reach out and we'll figure out what makes sense.
What's the difference between in-person design and a virtual consultation? A virtual consultation is a great starting point — we look at your listing together and I give you direction and priorities. In-person design goes deeper: I'm physically in the space, catching what photos miss, and building a plan specific to your rooms, your light, and your layout. For properties that are being set up from scratch or need a significant refresh, in-person is almost always worth it.
How long does a walkthrough take? Most properties take two to three hours for a thorough walkthrough. Larger properties or those with significant basement or outdoor space may take longer.
Do I need to have a budget in mind before reaching out? No — one of the things I do in the initial conversation is help you think through what's realistic for your goals. You don't need a number before we talk.
What happens after the walkthrough? You receive a written room-by-room upgrade plan within a few days. From there, you can execute it yourself, hire tradespeople independently, or bring me back for contractor coordination and styling days — whatever level of involvement works for you.